Penguins vs. Penguins: Camp Scrimmage Blog & Analysis | PHN+

The Pittsburgh Penguins will face…the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday morning. It is the first thing resembling game action on North American soil for most of the Penguins training camp roster, but a few Penguins prospects have been playing in juniors and Europe. This will be their first chance to make a good impression.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan opened the door to rostering a prospect such as Sam Poulin or Drew O’Connor if either proved themselves ready. Such a move would also cause the Penguins to waive or trade an NHL veteran to create space.

In full disclosure, if the QMJHL is shuttered, Sam Poulin could be placed on the taxi squad, and O’Connor could be placed on the taxi squad because he is 23-years-old and has completed his NCAA eligibility.

The Penguins primary squad (21 players) participated in an hour-long practice with 5v5 drills, and offensive zone plays. Colton Sceviour returned to the ice one day after he was absent for his child’s birth. In practice, Sceviour skated with Teddy Blueger and Brandon Tanev as the fourth line.

O’Connor was again part of the main group, but he was the spare forward in 5v5 drills. Sam Lafferty took the third-line LW spot with Mark Jankowski at center and Jared McCann on the left.

Evan Rodrigues continued to fill in for the absent Kasperi Kapanen, who is still caught up with Finland’s immigration issues.

This should be fun. Subscribe for the most in-depth hockey coverage in Pittsburgh. If I do say so, we break down the prospects, the play, and analysis on a daily basis. I hope you’ll come with us beyond the groupthink. We cost less per month than one large black coffee!

Pittsburgh Penguins Scrimmage LIVE blog and analysis: